Late last month, Trinity held its 4th annual charity 5k in conjunction with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Medical Association (SVGMA). The route, going from the Arnos Vale Playing Field to the National Lotteries Tennis Court in Kingstown, was full of walkers and runners enjoying the lower temps on a rainy Sunday. The event involved everything from fierce competition to 3.1 miles of laughter for fun-runners and culminated with the presentation of a check for $9,520 from Trinity to the SVGMA. Read on for a gallery, a race report, and the future of another successful Trinity-student initiative.
Despite the casual atmosphere, the sharp end of the race was hotly contested, with three vincentians taking the women’s category. In first place was Trinity graduate Delana Peters (29:49) in first, Tamira Browne (31:11) in second, and Jeniel Greaves (32:39) in third.
Among the men’s category, Trinity students Thomas Rutger (1st) and Caleb Heerema (2nd) topped the podium at 18:24 and 20:23 respectively, with the Hon. Luke Browne at 22:33. The mostly flat course was optimal for quick early paces that rewarded keeping something in the tank for a final long grind of a climb into Kingstown. The course was a steady mix of participants taking in the day at their own pace, pushing for a personal best, or in the case of some, eager to medal in the race’s two categories.
In addition to medals, the winners received vouchers of dinner for two as well as other sponsor gifts. Other awards were also handed out to the oldest and youngest runners, the most determined and most spirited runners; and to two annually participating breast cancer survivors.
St. Vincent’s minister of health and the environment, Hon. Luke Browne (pictured left securing third place) is an annual attendee of the event, as part of his goal of “leading from the front” in the campaign of awareness of the non-communicable diseases. “Raising awareness about these cancers is a constant necessity because it reminds those potentially affected to be vigilant. Breast and prostate cancers are among the leading types of cancer that we see here and early detection are key. I always want to take part in something that supports our efforts in the Ministry of Health to raise awareness.” He added, “The event itself is, of course, also fun for the community!”
The race is a relatively new tradition, only a few years old. However, it keeps growing. There were more participants this year in the rain than last year’s dry event. Dr. Rosalind Ambrose, President of the SVG Medical Association, expressed her delight, “I worried a bit about the weather but I was really happy to see that the turnout was much larger that it was last year. It is quite rewarding that so many persons took the initiative to come.” She continued, “The Medical Association collaborates with a number of organizations but it is inspiring to see that this particular even is the brain child of the student body of Trinity. As long as they are interested in doing it, the Medical Association will be there to support them wholeheartedly.”
First place Thomas Rutger leading the pack just behind traffic control.
Runners putting out a strong effort amidst the rain.
The day’s women’s podium taking in the glory with Trinity grad Delana Peters in first place.
The men’s podium, including two Trinity students!
The 5k tradition will continue, the next Trinity/SVGMA 5k is already scheduled for October 2019. Scroll through for a brief gallery of the day’s wet activities.
